I Forgot How Good NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream Is and Now I'm Hooked

We put the NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Not to age myself, but I've been tuned into the YouTube beauty world since before influencers were a thing. Back then, there was no sponsored content, brand trips, or PR lists. Around that time, if you were a broke college student like me, you knew NYX Professional Makeup was that brand. If you remember those 3-pan shadow quads, you're a real OG. So when I was asked to review the NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, it brought me back.

I remember the first time I got my hands on the NYX lip cream. At the time, I was a beauty intern at a magazine. I remember coming across it in the beauty closet that I had to keep organized. A YouTuber I followed raved about it, and I was lucky enough to find the exact shade she wore. To this day, the color Antwerp will always have a special place in my heart.  

About My Lips: Hydrated

Not to brag, but my lips are usually moisturized without having to do much. I do reach for a balm if I'm about to do full glam with a lip included or when I need SPF. When it comes to lip products, I find that using certain ones tends to dry them out, even if they're glossy. My go-to lip is a flesh-tone pencil to make them look fuller topped with a nude lip gloss or tinted balm.

How to Apply: Prep is everything

When it comes to matte lips, prep is everything. "Plumped lips are less likely to feather and crack," says makeup artist Tommy Napoli. He recommends less shiny balms like Carmex or Glossier's Balm Dotcalm under matte formulas. If you happen to have dried and flakey lips, one of my favorite lip tips ever is from makeup artist Robin Black. "If you don't have time for a full exfoliating treatment and lip hydrating mask, tap a piece of scotch tape over your clean lips to gently remove any dry bits of skin," shared Black.  

Before I applied the lip cream I used a generous amount of balm on and around my lips. If I have any dryness, it's the skin around my lips, so I always go past my lip line when putting on any moisturizing product during my lip routine. After a few minutes of letting the balm sink in, I went in with the Soft Matte Lip Cream. I chose the color Zurich, a nude tone that pulls a little pinker than the color of the packaging. The creamy whipped formula glided right on and didn't feel heavy as it set into its matte finish. The doe-foot applicator makes it easy to get a clean and precise line.

The Results: A comfortable matte

Matte lips aren't my go-to lip product of choice. Most formulas require high maintenance upkeep. They're drying or just don't feel good on the lips. So I was surprised when I forgot that I was still wearing the Soft Matte Lip Cream hours after putting it on. It didn't feel like anything or dry out my lips. On NYX's website, they boast that the soft matte formula is durable. I can confirm that after a full meal of eating and drinking, my lip color still looked great. It didn't feather past my lip line. Any areas where it did slightly wear off, there was still a sheer bit of color that didn't look patchy. 

The Value: No buyers remorse here

At under $7, I can absolutely recommend the NYX Professional Soft Matte Lip Cream. I can name a few way more expensive matte lip products that don't feel half as good or comfortable. The color range, opaque coverage, and price point are unbeatable.

Similar Products: You've got options

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($10): These matte lipsticks come in a liquid formula that requires more precision to apply. They promise a 16-hour wear time, and I can confirm that the claim is valid. I've showered while wearing it, and it did not budge until I used an oil cleanser. They're slightly more expensive than the NYX but worth a shot.

Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick ($6): Wet n Wild makes another wallet-friendly option that comes in 10 different shades. It goes on glossy and sets into a comfortable opaque matte. The applicator is curved to fit the shape of your lips.